The identical twins have already made quite a name for themselves in the sport of squash and they are now looking into the future, hoping to represent their country someday and take their rightful place among the top 10 in the world.
Commonly known as the Vs, both girls took up squash when they were just 11 years old.
“We started playing for fun after watching a close family friend play squash and that inspired us to take up the sport,” they told FMT, adding that when starting off they did not foresee coming so far in the game.
Now 16 years old, the two young girls have competed in many junior tournaments both nationally and internationally. One such tournament took place in China back in 2019 when they claimed the champion and runner-up titles in the Dalian International Junior Open.
Currently, the Vs are ranked top two in the state, top eight in the nation and top 15 in Asia. They are also the youngest players on the SUKMA team.
Most recently, the Vs clinched a victory, making their coach, family and fans back home proud at the Bangamata International Squash Tournament 2022, when Vinikasheinie claimed the champion title and took home the gold while her sister, Vitrikashenie took home the bronze.
The two young squash prodigies were the only representatives from Malaysia for the tournament and were extremely proud to represent their country on an international level.
“This was our first international professional circuit with participation from different countries and we are really proud of ourselves and what we achieved,” they said.
They are currently in their final year of secondary school and will sit for their SPM examination next year. Just like in squash, both girls plan to ace their examinations as well. “We sometimes wake up as early as 4am to do our homework or revise our work.”
To say the two girls are all-rounders wouldn’t be stretching it – aside from studying as well as competing in squash tournaments, they also study Indian classical dance as well as the violin.
It’s a wonder how these two find the time to pursue activities outside of the classroom. “We have a set schedule that we follow with training every day except on Sundays,” they said, adding that this leaves little room for them to relax, or binge watch a television series.
With a lot on their plate, the Vs are grateful for their support system. “We are very grateful to our parents, coach and friends who have supported us and motivated us throughout this journey,” they said.
The two admitted that while they do squabble every now and then – just like other siblings do – they are happy to be experiencing this journey of school and squash together.
Vitrikashenie and Vinikasheinie hope to become an inspiration to other young girls in the country who wish to pursue squash or any other sport. “It can be tiring and challenging but remember to keep trying and to not give up on your dreams and it will all be worth it.”
Besides training for a tournament in New Zealand next month, the two have also set both short-term and long-term goals so they keep on-track with their sporting goals.
“Our short-term plan is to break into the world’s top 100 by the end of this year and our long-term goal is to be among the top 10,” they said.
Not forgetting their studies, the twins also hope that their hard work and determination will pay off and they will be able to earn scholarships to further their studies.
“We are very determined and committed towards squash as well as our studies and all the other things we pursue. It has not been easy and there have been many obstacles, but we hope that it will all pay off one day,” they said.